Nail Avulsion / Removal

Care of Wound Site

  • Keep wound dry for 24 hours, then remove bandage and shower normally.
  • Cleanse wound gently, allowing soap and water to run over wound, but do not scrub.
  • Keep wound moist with Polysporin ointment or Vaseline, and cover daily with a clean non-stick bandage.

If You Have Bleeding

  • Hold firm pressure for 20 minutes, without lifting pressure to look at wound. Repeat as needed.
  • If wound continues to bleed, call our office or report to the nearest emergency room.

If You Have Pain

  • Elevate the affected limb on the date of the procedure and the following day; this will minimize throbbing pain, swelling, and bleeding.
  • If toenail was removed, wear open-toe shoes as much as possible.
  • For any wound discomfort, you may take Tylenol (or acetaminophen), for adults 500-1000 mg every six hours (if you are able to take Tylenol) and/or use cold compresses for up to 20 minutes hourly as needed.

Activities to Avoid

  • Avoid contaminated water (lake, river, or ocean); use waterproof bandage in chlorinated pool.
  • Minimize activity that produces stress to the avulsion site, such as running, until well healed.

Watch for Infection

  • Call the office if you have signs of infection, such as increased tenderness, warmth, spreading redness, swelling, or thick white-to-yellow discharge.
  • Severe infection may also include fever, chills, nausea, or pain radiating from the wound to surrounding tissue; seek urgent medical attention.
  • Slight redness, initial tenderness, and clear yellow discharge are normal.